Active Retirement Association (ARA)

About the ARA

daisy Seacoast residents can enjoy programs offered by the Active Retirement Association (ARA) an outreach of the University of New Hampshire. Daytime educational, cultural social and physical activities and four cultural day tours are offered.

The annual membership fee is $50 (non-refundable) and includes lecture series, discussion groups, interest sessions and health related activities for eight weeks fall 2009 and eight weeks in the spring of 2010. Each lecture series meets one time a week for four weeks.

For further information and to obtain registration form, contact Ben Getchell at (603)397-5046.

 

How to Contact the ARA

By mail: P.O. Box 421 Durham, N..H., 03824

Website: www.learn.unh.edu/ara

  • President
    Margery Clark, 603-868-5046
  • Vice President
    James E. Hellen, 603-397-5011
  • Secretary
    Gail Stewart, 603-868-5891
  • Treasurer
    Tom Tatarczuch, 603-868-5515
  • Audio-Visual
    Carl Golden, 603-942-8523
  • Facilities
    John McDonough 207-748-3125
  • Hospitality
    Gail Weiland, 603-868-5060
  • Membership
    Ben Getchell, 603-397-5046
  • Memorial Fund
    Tom Tatarczuch, 603-868-5515
  • Program
    Art Meyer, 207-439-2698
  • Publications
    Judy Getchell, 603-397-5046
  • Public Relations
    Beverly Johnson, 603-868-1087
  • Cultural Tours
    Gayle Hylen, 603-659-2422

 

Program Offerings, Fall 2009

PROGRAM NOTES
September 15TuesdayGeneral Meeting
September 21MondayTerm A begins
October 16FridayTerm A ends
October 19MondayGeneral Meeting
October 26MondayTerm B begins
November 20FridayTerm B ends
December 7MondayHoliday Luncheon
Event Date/Location Event Name/Details
Tuesday, September 15,
1:30 p.m.
Durham Evangelical Church, Durham
General Meeting
Program: The Red Cross in Your Community presented by Jamie Devlin, Executive Director of the Great Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross. Many people think of the Red Cross is only in the important business of collecting blood. Mr. Devlin will talk about the many life-saving emergency response programs provided by to the 4 Greater Seacoast communities: sheltering during ice storms and floods, response to fires, disaster preparedness, and involvement with the deployed Armed Service personnel.
Thursday, September 24,
7 p.m.
Oyster River High School, Durham
ARA Memorial Fund Lecture
The Memorial Fund event will feature Robert L. Bixby, The Executive Director of Concord Coalition, a nationwide, non-partisan, grassroots organization advocating generationally responsible fiscal policy. The Concord Coalitioin was founded in 1992 by the late former Senator Paul Tsongas (D-Mass.), former Senator Warren Rudman (R-NH), and former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Peter Peterson. Former Senator Bob Kerrey (D-NE) was named a co-chair of the Concord Coalition in January 2002. The Concord Coalition is dedicated to educating the public about the causes and consequences of federal budget deficits, the long-term challenges facing America's unsustainable entitlement programs, and how to build a sound economy for future generations.

The program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Sunday, October 25,
3 p.m.
Durham Public Library,
7 Mill Pond Road, Unit H, Mill Plaza, Durham, N.H.
Book Event
The program features two publisher representatives to discuss current children and teenager books. Come to the event and learn about new trends in books for holiday gifts for your children, grandchildren and other young people in your lives.

The program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Cultural Tours

Four exciting Cultural Tours are scheduled for the Fall.
  1. Sunday, September 13: The Isle of Shoals/Star Island, midmorning boat ride with optional 45 minute guided Island walking tour.
  2. Friday, October 2: Conway Scenic Railroad Trip thru Crawford Notch, includes box lunch on the train.
  3. Tuesday, October 13: House of Seven Gables and Salem With Museum, with lunch at "Victoria Station", Salem.
  4. Saturday, November 21: A Civil War Chhristmas, matinee performance, Boston University's Huntington Theater. BYO lunch to enjoy on the bus.
Details and reservation forms will be mailed August 24, and will require a quick response for the September 13 event.
TERM A - September 21 - October 16
DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL THE FOLLOWING CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO TERMS A AND B GREAT DISCUSSIONS. LOCATION changed to Franklin Pierce University at the Pease International Tradeport, 73 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth. Upon entering Pease from the turnpike, take the first left at the lights into International Drive. Then turn left at the first stop sign onto Corporate Drive. Proceed a short distance, just beyond Red Hook Brewery, to Franklin Pierce University on the left. There is a sign at the entrance.
Mondays
10 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Franklin Pierce University
73 Corporate Drive
Pease International Tradeport
Great Discussions
Come Home America: The Rise and Fall (and Redeeming Promise) of Our Country by William Greider. This program continues in Term B. The cost of the hardcover book to us is $19. It will be used for Term B also. Be sure to confirm by Friday, August 7, that you want to order a book, even if you signed up for the discussion last term.

September 21Fair Warning: The Other American; The Walls Closing In; The Winners' Complex pp. 1-36
September 28The Politics of "Hard Money"; Blinded by Faith pp.37-92.
October 5Second Thoughts; The Next War pp.93-149.
October 20Why Not Victory? pp.150-172
Mondays P.M.
Sessions 1 & 3: Durham Community Church, Durham
Sessions 2 & 4: Durham Evangelical Church, Durham, lower parking lot to car pool to site
Local Sources of Alternative Energy
All programs will be presented on site. Meet at 1:15 P.M., Durham Evangelical Church, lower parking lot, to car pool. Programs will be conducted rain or shine so be prepared with proper clothing. Field shoes, boots or Wellies are good.

September 21Two Current Sources for Wood as Energy. Sara Smith, Professor, Forestry, UNH
September 28Sunflower as Bio-fuel. Dorn Cox, Farmer, on site at Mr. Cox's farm in Madbury. Car pool to site (See above re: car pooling)
October 5Algae as a Future Fuel Source. Ihab Farang, Professor Chemical Engineering, UNH
October 20UNH Methane Fueled Plant. Matthew O'Keefe, UNH Fuel Manager. On site. Special safety conditions must be met. Closed-toe shoes required. Hard hats and goggles will be provided. (See above re: car pooling)
Monday P.M.
September 21 only
The Inn at Spruce Wood, Durham NH
Water Color Class with Doris Rice
This is a special session with instructor Doris Rice in additon to regular group sessions in Term B, Friday P.M.
Tuesday and Thursday
7:30 A.M to 8:15 A.M
Durham Community Church, Durham NH
Physical Fitness
Jennifer E. Merriam, a Certified Aerobics Instructor, will lead this program designed to improve flexibility, endurance and vitality of participants.
Wednesday A.M.
Durham Community Church, Durham NH
Economic Order: Emerging Markets
This series of lectures will focus on the emergence of three rising economic powers: Brazil, India and China, and their challenge to the U.S. and the EU.
September 23 The emergence of China's Economic Powerhouse: From Self-reliance to the World's Workshop. Lawrence C. Reardon, Assoc. Professor of Political Science, UNH
September 30 Brazil: Friend or Foe to the U.S.? Kirk Buckman, Assistant Professor in Doctor of Arts Program, Franklin Pierce University; and Adjunct Professor in the Western Hemisphere Program at S.A.I.S., John's Hopkins University, Washington, D.C.
October 7 India: An Emerging Power. P.T.Vasudevan, Robert C/ Davison Professor and Chair, Department of Chemical Engineering, UNH
October 14Responding to the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, Indian and China) Challenge: How the G-7 is Accomodating the New Global Economics. Lawrence C. Reardon, Assoc. Professor of Political Science, UNH
Wednesday P.M.
Durham Police Station, Durham NH
Jailhouse Gang aka The Writing Group
Aspiring writers share life stories orally and perhaps set them down as informal memoirs.
Thursday A.M.
Durham Community Church, Durham NH
Economics and Contemporary Life in the Middle East
This series will begin with a trip back in time to Petra, one of the wonders of the ancient world and continue with a look at contemporary Iran, its people, economy and aspirations.
September 24 A Video of Petra and Personal Experiences in Jordan. Richard J. Ward, Chancellor Professor Emeritus, UMASS Dartmouth and former Country Director of AID for Jordan.
October 1 Iran's Oil Economy and Its Importance in Iran's Future Kirk Buckman, Assistant Professor in Doctor of Arts Program, Franklin Pierce University; and Adjunct Professor in the Western Hemisphere Program at S.A.I.S., John's Hopkins University, Washington, D.C.
October 15 Contemporary Iranian Society: Its Composition, Goals and Aspirations Ali Reza Jalili, Assoc. Professor of Business, New England College
Thursday P.M
Durham Community Church, Durham NH
Race? Ethnicity?Gender? Science? What's Literature Got To Do With Em?
What difference does literature make in how we think of our culture?
September 24 Black Women's Intellectual Traditions: Speaking Their Minds. Carol Conaway, Asst. Professor of Communications, UNH.
October 1 Filthy Fiction: Asian Women Writers. Monica Chiu, Assoc. Professor of English, UNH
October 8 Misreading Masculinity: Boys, Literacy and Popular Culture Thomas Newkirk, Professor of English, UNH
October 15 "Dr. Sherlock Holmes": Medical Diagnosis, Mystery Writing and TV's "House" James Krasner, Assoc. Professor of English, UNH.
Friday, A.M.
Durham Community Church, Durham NH
Love and Sex in Literature and Life
The last 50-100 years have seen enormous changes in the English-speaking world's view of what is fair, ethical and acceptable to society in private and public sexual behavior. Four lecturers examine these changes from literary, statistical and personal prospectives.
September 15 Edna St. Vincent Millay: Feminist Thespian and Dramatic Poet. Recent critics have reassessed her work for a new appreciation of her gifts as a performer and dramatic poet. . Diane K. Freedman, Professor, English Department, UNH
October 2 Americans' Changing Attitudes Toward Same Sex Relationships. Michele Dillon, Professor, Sociology, UNH and Fellow, The Carsey Institute.
October 9 Caught in the Crossfire: A Year on Abortions' Front Line Sue Hertz, Professor English Department, UNH
October 16 Out of The Closet. A young man tells his personal story, and relates landmarks in the social acceptance of gay people and the trauma of the AIDS epidemic. Peter Welch, Health Educator/Counselor, UNH.
Friday, P.M.
Durham Evangelical Church , Durham NH
Fall Walks
Coordinators: Ben Getchall, (603)397-5046 and Sam Hagner (603)868-7473. Meet at Durham Evangelical Church parking lot to car pool to our destination. For cancellations or changes, check your e-mail or call Sam or Ben.

These coded descriptions may be helpful: ROUTE: T-trail, A-abandonded road, G-graded dirt road, P-paved road. FOOTING: S-smooth, M-moderately uneven, R-rough. TERRAIN; L-level, I-moderate incline, St-steep.

September 25 York Harbor/Cliff Walk, York, Maine. (2 mi.) T/A, M/R, L/I. Local "color" by Jane Hoitt.
October 2 Barrington Town Forest, (1 1/2 mi.) T/G, M, L/I.
October 9 Longmarsh Road, Durham, to Dame Road, Newmarket. (2 1/4 mi.) A/T, M, L/I. Extension of last Spring's walk, Great woods, no steep hills.
October 16 Bald Knob (Blue Job Mtn.), Farmmington, (2 1/2 mi.), T/A, M, L/I.
Term B - October 26 to November 20
DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL THE FOLLOWING CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO TERMS A AND B GREAT DISCUSSIONS. LOCATION changed to Franklin Pierce University at the Pease International Tradeport, 73 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth. Upon entering Pease from the turnpike, take the first left at the lights into International Drive. Then turn left at the first stop sign onto Corporate Drive. Proceed a short distance, just beyond Red Hook Brewery, to Franklin Pierce University on the left. There is a sign at the entrance.
Monday, A.M.
Franklin Pierce University
73 Corporate Drive
Pease International Tradeport
Great Discussions
Continuation of program from Term A using William Greider's Come Home America: The Rise and Fall (and Redeeming Promise) Of Our Country.
October 26 America The Possible pp. 197-218
November 2 Machine Politics pp. 219-247
November 9 The Reckoning pp. 248-269
November 16The Underground River pp. 270-299
Monday, P.M.
Durham Community Church, Durham
What Is All This Talk About Exporting Democracy and Creating World Peace?
October 26 What Is Democracy and Is It The ONE?
R. Scott Smith, Asst. Professor of Classics, UNH.
November 2 Can the U.S. Export Democracy?
Mary Malone, Asst. Professor Political Science, UNH
November 9 Can Democracy Create World Peace? Misguided Policy or Panacea?
Alynna Lyon, Asst. Professor Political Science, UNH.
November 16Education in Exile: Teaching in a Tibetan Refugee Community in the Himalayas.
Carolyn Gamtso, Professor and Head of UNH Library, Manchester.
Monday, P.M.
October 26 only
The Inn at Spruce Wood, Durham
Water Color Class with Doris Rice
This is a special session with Instructor Doris Rice in additioin to regular group sessions in Term B, Friday P.M.
Tuesday and Thursday
7:30 A.M. to 8:15 A.M.
Durham Community Church, Durham
Physical Fitness
Continuation of program from Term A.
Wednesday A.M.
Durham Community Church, Durham
News Media, Yesterday and Today
October 28 How Newspapers Began
The adaptation of "news" to print in 17th Century England, the transfer of the genre to America and the nature and development of the American newspaper in the eighteenth century, including the mechanics of production and the printers' understanding of "freedom of the press".
Charles E. Clark, Professor Emeritus of History, UNH.
November 4 The Press and Politics, Early American Style
The "politicization" of the newspaper, the reciprocal effects of the newspaper and the American Revolution, the role of newspapers in the ratification debate, the partisan press of the Early Republic, and the slow movement toward a professional journalism.
Charles E. Clark, Professor Emeritus of History, UNH.
November 11 Understanding the Confused News
Why it is so difficult to understand news in papers and on TV today? Contrasting the historic training of journalists with today's practices.
Allan A. Swenson, veteran jounalist and syndicated columnist; member of the Overseas Press Club.
November 18Confused News: Deliberate Distortions and How To Spot Them
Influence of PR firms, planted stories, political bias and more, explored through case studies and clips.
Allan A. Swenson veteran jounalist and syndicated columnist; member of the Overseas Press Club.
Wednesday P.M.
Durham Police Station, Durham
The Jailhouse Gang aks The Writing Group
Continuation of program from Term A.
Wednesday A.M.
Durham Community Church, Durham
News Media, Yesterday and Today
October 28 How Newspapers Began
The adaptation of "news" to print in 17th Century England, the transfer of the genre to America and the nature and development of the American newspaper in the eighteenth century, including the mechanics of production and the printers' understanding of "freedom of the press".
Charles E. Clark, Professor Emeritus of History, UNH.
November 4 The Press and Politics, Early American Style
The "politicization" of the newspaper, the reciprocal effects of the newspaper and the American Revolution, the role of newspapers in the ratification debate, the partisan press of the Early Republic, and the slow movement toward a professional journalism.
Charles E. Clark, Professor Emeritus of History, UNH.
November 11 Understanding the Confused News
Why it is so difficult to understand news in papers and on TV today? Contrasting the historic training of journalists with today's practices.
Allan A. Swenson, veteran jounalist and syndicated columnist; member of the Overseas Press Club.
November 18Confused News: Deliberate Distortions and How To Spot Them
Influence of PR firms, planted stories, political bias and more, explored through case studies and clips.
Allan A. Swenson veteran jounalist and syndicated columnist; member of the Overseas Press Club.
Wednesday P.M.
Durham Police Station, Durham
The Jailhouse Gang aks The Writing Group
Continuation of program from Term A.
Thursday A.M.
Durham Community Church, Durham
Saving Owls and the World Economy - Right Here in the Granite State!!
October 29 How Many Lumberjacks Are Worth One Spotted Owl?
John Halstead, Professor Resource Economies, UNH.
November 5 The Reinvention of Berlin, N.H.
Chris Colocousis, Ph.D. Candidate, and Research Assistant, Carsey Institute, UNH.
November 12 A Hotel Goes To Peace, Not War: The Story of the Mount Washington Hotel and the International Monetary conference at Bretton Woods - and More!!
Carl Lindblade, Lecturer, UNH.
November 19The Future of the Economy
Dan Innis, Dean of the Wittemore School of Business, Ph.D. in marketing, logistics and consumer behavior.
Thursday P.M.
Durham Police Station, Durham
Play Reading
October 29 Life of Galileo by Bertold Brecht
November 5 finish Life of Galileo by Bertold Brecht
November 12 Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward
November 19finish Blythe Spirit by Noel Coward
Friday
9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Durham Community Church, Durham
At The Bijou: Films from Overseas
October 30 Larks on a String (Czechoslovakia 1990, 96 min.).
Romance struggles among political prisoners at work in a "day" camp factory junk yard.
November 6 Mongolian Ping Pong (Mongolia 2005, 102 min.)
Three boys try to solve the mystery of the lightweight floating sphere which suddenly appeared on their spacious steppe.
November 13 A Short Film About Love (Poland 1988, 84 min.).
A shy young male voyeur tries to make contact with the woman who has won his heart.
November 20Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Spain 1988, 86 min.)
He did not answer her calls. Meanwhile she encountered his former and current mistresses. Add his son, frantic model, Shiite bomb team and gazpacho. Lite fare!
Friday P.M.
The Inn at Spruce Wood, Durham
Watercolor Workshop
This is a self-directed workshop for the experienced watercolorist and the neophyte. The main criterion is interest. Bring your paints, brushes, paper and a photo of something you'd like to paint to the first session.

 

Membership

Membership in the Association is open to individuals who reside in the area. Total retirement is not necessary for enrollment, as many members still hold full- or part-time positions. Currently the ARA has over 300 members representing 34 towns in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts.

Membership dues of $50 are for the year which runs from July 1, 2009 to June 20, 2010. Individuals may join at any time, but there is no reduction for a partial-year membership.

Click here for a membership form

Additional information about the ARA may be obtained by reading further on this site or:
By Mail: P.O. Box 421, Durham, NH 03824-0421
Ben Getchell By Phone: 603-397-5046

 

First Week Free

daisy To make more potential members aware of the ARA and its wide variety of interesting programs, a "first-week-free" policy applies in September at the beginning of the fall offerings, and again in March at the start of the spring semester. Members are encouraged to bring friends, and other non-members are also welcome to attend and participate.

 

Guest Policy

Members may bring guests at times other than the “first weeks free” opportunities for a fee of $2 per guest. However, local guests may attend only one program session in each term. Guest fees should be paid to the ARA member in charge of the program.

 

UNH Library Privileges

Members of ARA can take advantage of the University of New Hampshire libraries, which house more than a million books, periodicals, and recordings. The main library, Dimond Library, is located on the UNH campus just behind Thompson Hall. To receive a library card which will be valid throughout the current membership year, show your current ARA membership badge at the Main Desk.

 

Weather Cancellations

Program sessions will be cancelled if the Oyster River School District cancels school. Members should listen either to radio station WTSN, 1270 AM, Dover; WHEB, 750 AM, 100.3 FM, Portsmouth; or WMYF, 1380 AM, Portsmouth; or turn to WMUR Channel 9 for school cancellation announcements.

 

Program Disclaimer

daisy The Active Retirement Association seeks to provide programs that are intellectually stimulating and create opportunities for members to broaden their scope of interests. Programs of a controversial nature may be presented on occasion, but ARA does not endorse the viewpoints or opinions of its lecturers, nor does use of a facility constitute ARA endorsement of the beliefs or policies of that facility. ARA is not affiliated with any political, religious, ethnic, or special interest group.

 

Check This Out!

For information on other organizations and programs which might be of interest to you, check out the UNH Continuing Education Home Page

 

Directions to ARA Program Sites

The Durham Evangelical Church and the Durham Police Station are on Route 108 between Durham and Dover. Please use the lower parking lot at the church.

St. George's Episcopal Church and the Community Church of Durham are on Main Street, Durham, between the traffic light on Route 108 and the downtown area. Parking is available in the back of St. George's and across the street at the Community Church. Use the lower parking lot at the Community Church for access to the Activity Room.

The Dover Indoor Pool, which is on that part of Washington Street that begins the loop around the Cocheco Mills off Central Avenue, is part of the Henry Law Park complex. From the south take Central Avenue (Route 108) to the light at Washington Street and then a very hard right onto Henry Law Avenue to the first left into the parking lot area alongside the Cocheco River. The pool entrance is visible. From the north take Central Avenue (Route 108) through downtown Dover to Washington Street, bearing slightly to your left at the intersection. At the light go through onto Henry Law Avenue and into the parking lot as noted above.

The Inn at Spruce Wood is on Worthen Road off Mill Road in Durham. Follow the directions to St. George's Episcopal Church. Go past the Church, bear right at the Post Office, and almost immediately onto Pettee Brook Lane. At the end you will see UNH buildings. Turn left onto Main Street and take your first right onto Mill Road. Follow it for approximately two miles and Worthen Road will be on your right. Follow Worthen Road until it ends.

Southern New Hampshire University, Seacoast: Pease International Tradeport, 231 Corporate Drive, Suite 100, Portsmouth, N.H. 03801

Durham Police Station: Route 108, Durham, N.H.

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